Top 10 Transgender Films You Should Watch

Description: While not exclusively about transgender issues, this thriller features a pivotal transgender character whose identity twist was a significant plot point.

Fact: The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won for Best Original Screenplay.

Description: Three drag queens travel across the country and end up in a small town where they teach the locals about tolerance and acceptance.

Fact: The film features performances by Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguizamo, all in drag. It was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film - Wide Release.

Description: This rock musical follows Hedwig, a transgender East German singer, on her journey of self-discovery and acceptance in America.

Fact: The film is based on the off-Broadway musical of the same name. John Cameron Mitchell, who plays Hedwig, also wrote and directed the film.

Description: Felicity Huffman stars as a pre-operative trans woman who learns she has a son from a past relationship. The film follows their cross-country journey, exploring themes of family, identity, and acceptance.

Fact: Felicity Huffman was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role. The film was also nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy.

Description: Based on the true story of Lili Elbe, one of the first known recipients of sex reassignment surgery, this film delves into her life, her marriage, and her transition.

Fact: Eddie Redmayne received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role as Lili Elbe. The film was also nominated for Best Production Design.

Description: Shot entirely on iPhones, this film follows a transgender sex worker in Los Angeles on Christmas Eve as she seeks revenge on her pimp and boyfriend.

Fact: The film was shot using three iPhone 5S smartphones. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and received widespread acclaim for its innovative filming technique.

Description: This film explores the dynamics of a family as they navigate the transition of their teenage son, Ray, who is transitioning to male.

Fact: The film was originally titled "About Ray" but was changed due to criticism about the title's implications. It stars Elle Fanning, Naomi Watts, and Susan Sarandon.

Description: This Chilean film tells the story of Marina, a transgender woman who faces discrimination after the sudden death of her older boyfriend. It's a poignant look at grief, identity, and resilience.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in

Description: A documentary that chronicles the lives of New York City's African American and Latino drag ball culture in the late 1980s, highlighting issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality.

Fact: The film has been inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." It's often credited with bringing drag ball culture to a broader audience.

Description: This film tells the tragic true story of Brandon Teena, a transgender man who was brutally murdered after his identity was revealed. It's a powerful exploration of identity, love, and societal prejudice.

Fact: Hilary Swank won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Brandon Teena. The film was also nominated for Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published.